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Routine use of clinical management guidelines in Australian general practice.

Authors :
Harris, Mark F.
Lloyd, Jane
Krastev, Yordanka
Fanaian, Mahnaz
Gawaine, Davies Powell
Zwar, Nick
Siaw-Teng Liaw
Source :
Australian Journal of Primary Health; 2014, Vol. 20 Issue 1, p41-46, 6p, 5 Charts
Publication Year :
2014

Abstract

Significant gaps remain between recommendations of evidence-based guidelines and primary health care practice in Australia. This paper aims to evaluate factors associated with the use of guidelines reported by Australian GPs. Secondary analysis was performed on a survey of primary care practitioners which was conducted by the Commonwealth Fund in 2009: 1016 general practitioners responded in Australia (response rate 52%). Two-thirds of Australian GPs reported that they routinely used evidence-based treatment guidelines for the management of four conditions: diabetes, depression, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypertension -- a higher proportion than in most other countries. Having non-medical staff educating patients about self-management, and a system of GP reminders to provide patients with test results or guideline-based intervention or screening tests, were associated with a higher probability of guidelines use. Older GP age was associated with lower probability of guideline usage. The negative association with age of the doctor may reflect a tendency to rely on experience rather than evidence-based guidelines. The association with greater use of reminders and self-management is consistent with the chronic illness model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14487527
Volume :
20
Issue :
1
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Australian Journal of Primary Health
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
94459167
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1071/PY12078